Wage Transparency: Nannies Set the Trend
Nannies are trendsetters. For decades they have been discussing what they make with other nannies. We used to say: You’re kidding. They talk about their hourly rates with complete strangers they meet in the park? At the library? Or on playdates? Yes, yes they do. Pretty regularly. How else are they going to know if they are being paid fair market rates?
How do WE know this exchange of info is happening? Because those nannies who were comparing income notes in the park have now called US looking for new jobs. They feel devalued when they hear what others are making. Here are some of their mental ruminations: “Why is this nanny making so much more than I am? I have as much, if not more experience.” or “Why am I making so much less? I feel disrespected.”
Parents/employers are incredulous. Parents-particularly women employers– are shocked to learn that money is a common topic of conversation among childcare providers. Why? Because for the longest time these moms didn’t know what their peers were earning.
But more recently, we’ve seen a sea change across all industries, especially among young professional women, who now want to know what their colleagues/counterparts are earning in an effort to achieve pay equity. It used to be taboo – or at the very least, tacky–to EVER discuss with anyone what you made. Now transparency instead of secrecy is the byword.
In this current job market, where great talent is hard to find, candidates are not just settling.
Employers should know they aren’t going to get a deal or a steal when hiring great employees. That definitely includes nannies. Asking what they made in their last position to determine rates? Uh uh. Not legal in some cases and not relevant in others.
Unfortunately, for nannies already employed with significant on-the-job experience, younger less experienced caregivers may be getting a higher hourly wage to begin now. Hopefully, there will be some adjustments to create more balance in the “now” market as opposed to the “then” market. No blame is laid on previous nanny employers. They paid market rates when they hired. That was then. And this is now. And those “now” rates have changed.
We’re glad to see the trend of wage transparency taking hold across all industries – and we’d like to give credit to some of the pioneers of the movement: Nannies.
Did You Know it’s National Nanny Recognition Week 2021?
It took a pandemic, but people are finally noticing. Childcare is a massively undervalued profession. Being a nanny is hard work. If you spent any time without childcare during the Pandemic, you know that 10 hours a day with a baby or child is challenging. It takes patience, focus, kindness, and skill. Did we mention patience? And if you had childcare throughout the pandemic, thank your lucky stars.
Part of being a good household employer is recognizing your employee’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to your family. It’s easy to take for granted all that these employees do – it’s not glamorous work. And yet the nannies who perform these duties love their jobs. They wouldn’t choose to do anything else. Thank goodness! This city would grind to halt without professional nannies.
Sept 19-25 is National Nanny Recognition Week. Yes, a FORMAL opportunity to show your appreciation.
In honor of this time, here are some ideas for parents wanting to acknowledge the hard work their nannies do:
- Pay for class or membership in the INA (International Nanny Association)
- Give a day off
- Give a thoughtful gift certificate
- Write a note of thanks with something special inside
- Flowers and a note of thanks
These are just a few, but there is no shortage of gestures we know will be most appreciated by your devoted nanny.
